Module 5 - Points to Ponder

What are the principal advantages of using a single building information model of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling proposed additions or renovations?

• Why not create a separate model for the new proposed design?

What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?

• What happens at the interfaces between the buildings as the phases advance?
• As the phases advance, you begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between the original building and the extension during at all stages of the construction. This allows you to realize what is added and subtracted at each point and take into account the effects.
• How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as your create your initial building model?
• By going through phases, you begin to have an understanding what is it that you’re adding and how does this address the client’s needs but also how you affect the existing building.

What are the principal advantages of using a single building information model of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling several proposed design alternatives for a portion of the building?

• Why not create a separate model for each of the design alternatives?
• Creating separate models for each design alternatives prevents you from seeing the bigger picture. Having it all in one allows you to see progression and cause and effect of each phase and design decisions.

In your project, which features of the proposed design did you choose to model as design alternatives?

• Why did you choose these building features? And what were the biggest challenges in modeling them as the design alternatives?